‘TOPIA,’ an installation by London-based artist Barnaby Barford, is set to open at MUŻA, Malta’s National Community Art Museum, on the 22nd of October, 2024. The exhibition will run through January 2025, offering a captivating exploration of Malta’s heritage, culture, and communities, focusing on one of the island's most iconic elements - its local shops.

The artist's journey into Maltese shop fronts began during a 2019 visit to the islands, sparking the inspiration for ‘TOPIA.’ To capture a snapshot of contemporary Maltese life, Barnaby Barford traversed every town and village in Malta and Gozo, photographing more than 11,000 shops along the way. This immersive research resulted in a miniature world of 1,000 handmade fine bone china shops, each representing an actual retail outlet he visited.

These intricate artworks are assembled to form two Maltese rubble walls, replicating the structure of streets lined with shops. This creative arrangement highlights the uniqueness of Malta’s commercial landscape while subtly referencing the island’s architectural heritage.

The exhibition also features recorded interviews with shop owners, inviting visitors to engage with the personal stories behind the shop façades. Through these voices, ‘TOPIA’ reflects on Malta’s socio-cultural evolution during a period of rapid transformation.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase the miniature shops online, with proceeds supporting Heritage Malta’s community and contemporary art projects. Additionally, a publication featuring interviews and photographs of the shopkeepers will be available, offering further insights into the lives and histories of these cherished local businesses.

‘TOPIA’ is not just an art installation but an invitation to reflect on the evolving identity of Malta and its communities.

Will you be visiting this exhibition?